Three years ago, Zola Noite's nemesis killed her sidekick and forced her to watch. The guilt drove her to hang up her cape. Zola knows one thing for certain, as a result. She will never be a superhero again.

Psychologist Dr. Arturo "Fort" Forte specializes in super-powered mental health. He’s the only reason Zola can once again call herself sane—although, truth be told, the heat between them is slowly driving her back to mad.

When three mega-villains escape the prison Fort oversees, all Zola's best laid plans go up in flames. Fort asks her for help, and she can't turn down the man she's come to love. As battles ensue and clues add up, the one thing Zola trusts is called into question: Fort's true agenda and which side he’s on.

He didn't give a hint at what he planned as he leaned over the table and picked up her body crème jar. Once he'd unscrewed the cap, he sniffed and raked her body with an “Mmm” expression.

Oh my.

Setting the jar down, he reached out and ran a hand over her shin.

Lord.

She'd touched him many times, but for reasons unknown, it never felt the way it did when he touched her. The first time they shook hands she thought she'd been tasered and hit air turbulence all at once—electromagnetism had blasted her while her stomach dropped. Fort must have felt it, too, because he'd never touched her again. Him brushing past her in the foyer remained the only slip she could remember. And now...she sighed, falling back on her elbows...ermagerd.

Fort slid his palm down to her ankle, lifted her foot, and swung it into his lap. He repeated the motion with her other leg, the same delicious slide ending with her feet far to close to his manly parts.

“Fort.” She warned, concealing a purr with sternness.

He ignored her, dipped a finger in the crème and warmed it between his hands. She didn’t want him to touch her bare skin—she needed him to. And that made her want to pull away. He didn't give her the chance. Zola’s back arched with pleasure and pain as the pressure of his strong, sure fingers caressed over her sore flesh.

Jeez-us. The man knew how to give a foot massage. The pads of his thumbs rolled over the balls of her foot and she had to grip the back of the bench to keep from leaping off it. She wanted to run. Her plan to play dumb in order to find out what he'd been keeping from her hadn't included actually falling back into his web.

His fingers kneaded along her bridge, his thumbs finding her toes before he worked his way back down her foot to soothe away the knots in her heel. He gave her other foot equal care. Her body went limp and she collapsed onto the bench.

The intimacy between them overpowered her good sense. But here in the real world, outside of their sessions, trust came into question. She didn’t really know Fort. Yet, against reason, the dichotomy of distrust and pleasure made the foot rub so much hotter. The dangerous side of him multiplied his sexiness exponentially. Zola desperately wanted to see him without glasses—and clothes. And secrets. She needed to stand on common ground with him and she'd only get there through trust.

“Better?” he asked, breaking through her turmoil. She raised her head and was drawn into his olive-hued gaze.

No, worse. So much worse.

Shirin Dubbin is often called a “chic geek,” and she likes the sound of it. Especially since she’s a closet wallflower (albeit one with a fabulous alter ego).When not working in graphic design or hosting The Fantastic Forum—a celebration of comics & speculative fiction—she writes stories inspired by the art, literature, international cinema, and anime she grew up with.

In her own storytelling, Shirin spins tales of sci-fi and urban fantasy with romantic edge. The battle between good and evil, humor, and break neck action are ink to her imagination.

Culturally, she’s half American, half British and very southern; right down to the accent and love of grits. Government reports show a residence in DC, but Shirin lives largely on the astral plane and hopes to meet you there.

Superpowered Love – The Swag Pack

To celebrate the release of my new superhero romance, To the Fifth Power, I’ve matched the book up with an equally hard hitting, highflying, romanc-a-thon of a swag pack called SuperPowered Lurve. . .and there are snacks too!

First love’s first blush is so amazingly adorkable in this movie. There’s no doubt Spidey is one of the greatest to ever rock a mask, but the romance here starts off awkward then blooms. That love story and its growth center the movie. Plus, there’s spinning and skipping in this clip. D’aww.

The Avengers

To the Fifth Power is the first in the Powers Trilogy. In the series a team of superheroes break into duos to fight very personal battles, and to unwittingly fall in love. I chose The Avengers because it is the linchpin to the love stories in Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and various versions of The Hulk (incredible or otherwise). And because it hints at a romance I’m anxiously hoping to see: Hawkeye and Black Widow.

Whether you’re a Doctor Who fan or not, there’s no denying the genius of everybody’s favorite episode, Blink. It’s frightening, heartbreaking, and utterly magnificent. It also features the most perfect love story ever told in 10 minutes or less. Remember this line: “I have until the rain stops…”

Hancock

Uh huh, this is a movie about a FUBAR superhero. It’s also a story of epic love and sacrifice. The three main characters forfeit the most important things in their lives for each other. That’s amazing on its on. Also, sexual tension, thy name is Will Smith and Charlize Theron. Pure sizzle.

Hellboy 1

Never did the words “I love you just the way you are” “stay” take on more meaning than in the romance of Liz Sherman and Hellboy. She’s surly as hell and he’s from there. Yet somehow we adore them both. Not only does this team up get the job done, they get each other.

Megamind

There’s a line in To the Fifth Power, “So what? Even villains fall in love.” In Megamind, a super villain with a huge blue cranium and an ace reporter take us on a classic rock infused joy ride, showing us just how fun the fall can be.

Superman 2

If you’ve seen Man of Steel and enjoyed it you’ve got to watch Superman 2, starring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Actually, you’ve got to see Superman 2 whether you’ve ever seen another Superman movie or not. Reeve and Kidder have become the prototype for this iconic power couple. Their snappy banter reminds you of a 1930’s film and their chemistry will blow up your lab. Bonus: Terrance Stamp as the villain. Oh my Zod!

This Little Piggy* – Justice League Unlimited Episode

The Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series told some of the finest DC Comics stories to ever hit screens. I recommend watching both from beginning to end. But, if you’re only interested in the romance, Batman and Wonder Woman have a serious lovethang going. It’s clutch your pearls worthy. In this episode Batman does things we never thought he would to save Wonder Woman from a bad case of being hogtied.

Power Up Snacks

I can’t set you loose on a marathon of such epic proportions without offering a few snacks. If you win, you’ll also power up with these:

Moose Munch or Popcorn Mix – Misfits TV Series

I’m sad I wasn’t able to include the love story of Alisha and Simon from the British television series Misfits. This snack is in honor of them and an ongoing joke about pick n’ mix(it’s an UK thing).

Tortuga Rum Cake – Hancock

I’ll let the movie’s hero speak for himself.

Rail Crossing Crowd #2, “I can smell alcohol on your breath!”

Hancock, “That's cause I've been drinking, b--!”

Chocolate and banana chips - Doctor WhoThe Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, is featured in the Blink episode above. In his honor we have Endangered Species chocolate (he’s the last of the Time Lords, after all) and banana chips—his favorites.

There you have it. Have fun. But use your power wisely.

~Shirin Dubbin

* TV episodes to be delivered digitally through winner’s choice of Amazon or iTunes. Physical items open to US Shipping